Bentley signs bill expanding access to marijuana derivative CBD

Gov. Robert Bentley Wednesday signed Leni’s Law, a bill expanding access to a marijuana derivative that may benefit those dealing with debilitating diseases.

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(Photo: Grace O'Connor/Special to the Advertiser)

The law, passed by wide margins in the Legislature, goes into effect June 1. The governor said in a statement preliminary studies of cannabidiol (CBD) at the University of Alabama Birmingham, which showed the drug had significant effects controlling seizures, encouraged him.

“As a physician, I believe it is extremely important to give patients with a chronic or debilitating disease the option to consider every possible option for treatment,” the statement said. “With Leni’s Law, citizens in Alabama will have access to cannabidiol that may help with treatment.

CBD contains little THC, the component of marijuana that creates highs. In 2014, Gov. Robert Bentley signed Carly’s Law, which authorized a study of the effects of CBD at UAB and allowed families to enroll in the study. UAB released early results from the study showing CBD cut seizures in half.

Some families that pushed for Carly’s Law were unable to enroll in the study. Amy and Wayne Young moved from Alabama to Oregon to get CBD for their daughter Leni, who suffered a prenatal stroke and experienced hundreds of seizures a day. The Youngs say CBD brought Leni’s seizures under control and helped their daughter, now five, make significant development gains.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Mike Ball, R-Huntsville, decriminalizes possession of CBD for those suffering debilitating conditions.the bill says it is specifically aimed at conditions that produce seizures.

“We are incredibly grateful to the state of Alabama for giving families like our the opportunity to find relief from life-altering and debilitating conditions, and hope for a better quality of life,” Amy Young said in a message.

Families who could benefit from the drug visited the House gallery Wednesday morning. Ball recognized them from the floor, and the representatives gave them an ovation.